Characteristics and functions of self-defining memories in restrained eaters

Abstract

The main purpose of the present study was to investigate the characteristics and functions of self-defining memories (SDM) in restrained eaters in terms of eating attitudes. To this end the content, specificity, integration, emotional valence and functions (self, social and directive) of SDMs were analyzed by controlling for depression and alexithymia. Participants were divided into low- and high groups according to their Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) scores. Each participant retrieved three SDMs. No main effect was found in SDM characteristics. There was also no difference between groups with low- and high groups in terms of content, specificity, emotion, and integration of memories. On the other hand, groups were different in terms of the functions of SDMs. First, low eating-concern group had higher scores for directive function than the high eating group for their first SDMs. Secondly, low shape-concern group had higher average (of three SDMs) self and directive function scores than high group. Finally, we observed a reverse pattern for average social function scores; high shape concern group had higher social function scores for both average and first SDMs.